Steve Rosich to Lead a New Era for the A-League as CEO

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The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has confirmed former Victoria Racing Club (VRC) CEO, Steve Rosich, will join the team at the A-Leagues.

A Proven Record 

With over 25 years of leadership and commercial experience within the sport industry, Rosich is an exciting appointment for the A-Leagues as they look to start a new era of growth across the men’s and women’s game. 

After starting out with Deloitte in corporate finance, Rosich transitioned into the sport industry as a business operations manager at AFL team, the West Coast Eagles. It was there that he helped to drive commercial growth, before joining the Fremantle Dockers as CEO throughout a 12-year spell.

His previous role as CEO of Victoria Racing Club and a recent venture leading medical technology start-up, BrainEye, ensures that Rosich has a wealth of experience and expertise in steering organisations in elite sport to success. 

APL Executive Chairman, Stephen Conroy, has noted the appointment as a crucial step in the transformation of the A-Leagues. 

“Steve brings leadership, commercial and major events experience within elite sport, and a passion to grow the A-Leagues to help it reach its full potential,” Conroy said via press release. 

“Steve’s appointment is the final step in our transformation, and with his proven track record of growth, we are well positioned to continue the significant progress made both on and off the field across our leagues.”

It was earlier this year that Rosich was also eyed by Melbourne Football Club to fill their then-vacant CEO position. His credentials within the industry are strong, indicating real ambition and optimism within the APL as they look to strengthen the A-Leagues on and off the pitch. 

Responding to Past and Current Challenges  

Following the recent release of both the A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s Reports about the challenges experienced during the 2024-25 season, it is clear why Rosich was a leading candidate to steer the future of the APL. 

Widespread financial difficulties plagued the men’s and women’s game, amplified by falling attendances, unsuitable infrastructure, and reliance on transfers as a source of revenue, but despite the past challenges within the game across Australia, Rosich remains hopeful for its future. 

“Football in Australia and New Zealand has huge potential,” he said via press release. 

“I know it will take hard work and collective effort from the broader football ecosystem to help realise this opportunity, but it’s an extremely exciting time for football in the region.”

With a wealth of knowledge and experience in steering organisations to commercial growth, Rosich is well-placed to lead a new era of development in the A-Leagues.

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Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

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Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

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This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

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